How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Heartburn in Children

Audience: pediatric

Heartburn is a common symptom in children that can cause discomfort and worry. Preparing well for a telemedicine visit about your child's heartburn can help the healthcare provider understand the problem better and suggest the right care. During the visit, you will discuss your child's symptoms, possible causes, and any treatments tried so far. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get advice without leaving home, but sometimes in-person care is needed if symptoms are severe or unusual. Knowing what information to share and what to expect will help make the visit smooth and effective.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty swallowing or persistent pain when swallowing — seek urgent medical care.
• Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools — go to emergency care immediately.
• Child experiences severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weight loss — seek prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate heartburn symptoms in children.
• Initial assessment and guidance on diet and lifestyle changes.
• Review of current medications and symptom monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding like vomiting blood or black stools.
• Need for physical examination, diagnostic tests, or emergency care.

What is Heartburn in Children?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). This can cause a burning feeling in the chest or throat. In children, heartburn may occur after eating certain foods or when lying down. It is often mild but can sometimes be a sign of other health issues.

When to Use Telemedicine for Heartburn

Telemedicine is useful for discussing mild or occasional heartburn symptoms in children. It allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home to review symptoms, ask questions, and get advice on managing heartburn. Telemedicine works well if your child has no serious symptoms and you just need guidance on diet, lifestyle, or over-the-counter treatments.

Information to Prepare Before Your Visit

Before the telemedicine visit, gather details such as:

Having this information ready helps the provider give better advice.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. They may guide you through observing your child's behavior or throat using the camera. Based on the information, they will suggest ways to manage heartburn, such as dietary changes or medications. They will also tell you if your child needs to be seen in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or significant weight loss, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires physical examination and tests.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and frequency of heartburn symptoms in your child.
• List foods or activities that seem to trigger symptoms.
• Record any treatments or medicines your child has used.
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms like vomiting or weight changes.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with a good internet connection for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your child's medical history and allergy information ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on diet and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's heartburn?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it cannot replace physical exams or tests that may be needed to diagnose the exact cause of heartburn.

What foods should I avoid if my child has heartburn?

Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods. Avoiding these may help reduce heartburn, but it's best to follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Is heartburn common in children?

Yes, occasional heartburn can happen in children, especially after eating certain foods or lying down soon after meals. Persistent or severe heartburn should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for heartburn?

If your child has severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, or black stools, seek emergency care immediately as these may indicate serious problems.

Sources

1. Heartburn in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Heartburn and GERD — Mayo Clinic.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe, worsening, or you have any concerns, please seek prompt in-person evaluation by a healthcare provider.